Photo Flash: Michael Winslow in VOCA PEOPLE Last Night, 5/9

Last night, May 9, VOCA PEOPLE (www.VocaPeopleNYC.com), the hit musical, welcomed "Police Academy" star and "the man of 10,000 sound effects" Michael Winslow as he joins the VOCA PEOPLE for four select performances through May 20 at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street). Mr. Winslow will perform with VOCA PEOPLE again May 13 at 5:30pm, May 14 at 8pm, May 16 at 7pm and May 17 at 7pm. Winslow blasts into this out-of-this-world musical, which combines vocal sounds, a-cappella singing, comedy and the art of beat box. See photos of Michael Winslow in VOCA PEOPLE below!

To celebrate Michael Winslow joining the show, VOCA PEOPLE has announced VOCA ZONE SEATS, for the fans who want to be part of the action. Admit it-you've always secretly wished that a spaceship full of friendly aliens would come and serenade you with choral renditions of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the theme from "Mission Impossible." VOCA PEOPLE often pull audience members onstage during their performance, whether it's to participate in one of their musical games, or one of their interpersonal dramas, or both simultaneously. These specially selected tickets are audience members' opportunities to become part of the show. After months of observation, we've learned just which seats the Vocas tend to target, and we're offering them up to any brave and willing participants*. Naturally, you may need some liquid courage before The Vocas whisk you (or your confused theatergoing companion) onstage. That's why a complimentary cocktail is included in the price of the ticket. At the end of the evening, the show will send you home with a copy of the VOCA PEOPLE cast recording, to play for all your skeptical friends who don't believe in UFOs or Lady Gaga.

*Audience participation is not guaranteed. Only 10 seats are available per performance. Voca Zone Experience tickets are priced at $89.50 each.

For tickets, go to broadwayoffers.com and use code VOCEXP, call 212.947.8844, outside the tri-state area 800.872.8997, and mention code VOCEXP, or in person, go to New World Stages, 340 West 50rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) and mention Voca Zone Experience. Box office hours: 1:00pm – 7:00pm for advance sales.

VOCA PEOPLE have taken New York by surprise with a completely original, thrilling musical adventure unlike anything you've experienced before. Performed by eight snow-white ruby-lipped aliens with perfect harmony, this international hit features over 70 a cappella and beat box versions of the songs the whole family will love, including favorites from Madonna, Queen and even Mozart. No instruments, no sound effects-just eight incredible talents breathing life into music.

Originally a YouTube sensation, VOCA PEOPLE has had intergalactic success with sold-out tours in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Mars and Uranus. The original cast recording of VOCA PEOPLE is now available at the theater and fans can go to the show's website: www.VocaPeopleNYC.com to download two free songs.

The show is created and directed by Lior Kalfo with musical direction and arrangements by Shai Fishman. The show has sound design by Naor Ben Meir, lighting design by Roy Milo, and costume design by Hana Yefet.

VOCA PEOPLE recently won The Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Alternative Theatrical Experience. The Lucille Lortel Awards recognize excellence in New York Off-Broadway theatre and are produced by the League of Off-Broadway Theatres and Producers by special arrangement with the Lucille Lortel Foundation.

The schedule for VOCA PEOPLE at New World Stages is as follows: Monday at 8pm, Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 5:30pm.Ticket prices range from $30-$79.50 with premium seating available. All prices include $1.50 facility fee. Tickets are available through Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or at www.telecharge.com. Tickets are also available at The New World Stages box office at 340 W. 50th Street. For more information, visit: VocaPeopleNYC.com.

Michael Winslow had his first professional performance at a club in Boulder, Colorado named Tulagi's, where Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Tommy Bolin and other famous bands had played. He opened for a group called "Nova," an Italian Rock Fusion Band. He heard through the grapevine that the group was fans of Jimi Hendrix, so he portrayed him onstage. The ovation and the applause from the audience was overwhelming. From that moment on he knew he wanted to be an entertainer.

Michael packed his bags and hitchhiked to Venice Beach where he would be homeless for a short time. He auditioned for the "Gong Show" hosted by the infamous Chuck Barris where he won a whopping $516.32 that finally got him out of homelessness and allowed him to buy a vehicle. That vehicle took him to Los Angeles to all the local Comedy Clubs. At this point in time, Bud Friedman, believed in him and featured him in the famous "Evening at the Improv" (which we all known now as the Comedy Improve Clubs).

In 1984, he finally got his big chance when director Hugh Wilson and producer Paul Manslanski came to see him perform at Long Beach Theater where he was opening for Count Basie & his Orchestra. The pair immediately wrote him into the script of the unforgettable "Police Academy I through VII." The films were an instant success. He then went to play a part in Mel Brooks "Spaceballs". This film helped in furthering his spotlight as a unique comedian. Michael was also heard, but not seen, when he gave the voice to Stripe, the evil little creature, in another hit movie "Gremlins".

He also did voice-overs for Disney and Universal Studios in such rides as "Back to the Future and Terminator" Currently you can also hear him in the television hits "Robot Chicken and Family Guy" He can also be seen in "Geico" commercials. And in the spring of 2008 he graced the red carpet premiere of National Lampoon's "Robo Doc". Michael, a master of vocal gymnastics, can imitate over 10,000 sound effects using his voice alone.

Photo credit: H. E. Yhoman

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